Journal Early Career Editorial Board equips emerging researchers with tools to excel
In January 2025 the Journal of Neuroendocrinology (JNE) Early Career Editorial Board was formed to empower emerging neuroendocrinologists with the knowledge, expertise and skills to excel in their scientific career.
To allow an in-depth insight into the workings of a scientific journal, the 11 early career board members were paired with senior editors at JNE. During the programme, the early career researchers (ECRs) gained valuable experience in the scientific publishing process by reviewing papers in parallel with their mentor and the regular reviewers and discussing the various opinions that resulted.
Speaking on the intentions of the programme, Professor Mike Lehman, Editor-in-Chief, Fundamental and Mechanistic Strand, Journal of Neuroendocrinology, said:
“We wanted to pull back the curtain on the often-mysterious process of scientific publishing and to train up-and-coming neuroendocrinologists as future reviewers and editors for what is a thriving, rigorous and leading journal owned and run by our community for the benefit of our community.”
In addition to working with their senior editor mentor on reviewing JNE papers, the Early Career Editorial Board members have received comprehensive career development online workshops on topics such as:
- How peer review works
- How editors make decisions on which papers to publish
- The ethics and responsibilities of peer review
- The future of academic publishing
- The open access landscape
- The use of AI for submissions and peer review
Over the last year the board has gained knowledge and experience on how the journal publishing process works, networked with peers on the board and mentors from the JNE senior editorial board, provided feedback and suggestions on the content published in the journal as well as helped shape the on-going development of the programme with senior editors.
Equipping the next generation of neuroendocrinologists with the tools to excel in their careers is part of JNE’s commitment to the neuroendocrine community and the support of ECRs in the field across the world.
Speaking on her experience so far, ECR Editorial Board member Dr Isadora Clivatti Furigo, Coventry University, UK, said:
“Being a member of the ECR Editorial Board has been an enriching experience and has given me a much deeper appreciation of how journals maintain scientific integrity. The programme has already had a noticeable impact on my career. It has strengthened my ability to write and respond to reviews, improved the quality of my own manuscripts, and expanded my professional network within the field. Perhaps most importantly, it has given me a sense of belonging in the scientific community: an understanding that early career researchers can play an active role in shaping the standards of our discipline. It’s an experience that continues to influence how I think about research, mentorship, and the responsibilities we carry as scientists.”
Fellow Early Career Editorial Board member Dr Stephen Manchishi, University of Zambia, Zambia, has also gained indepth experience of the article review process, stating:
“With my mentor, I have had the privilege of walking through the entire process of reviewing both original research and review articles. Through the webinars and one on one interaction with mentors, I have learnt to be objective, while paying attention to fine details during the review process. The major take away for me is the realisation that the essence of the peer review process is to provide constructive feedback to promote rigorous and good quality of science; not to frustrate, but to encourage sound research. Through this program, I have had a sneak-peak of the whole process from the authors’, reviewers’ and editors’ point of view, and I am utilising these skills and knowledge in my career as faculty, specifically on how I advise my colleagues, mentees and students.”
Dr Teodora Georgescu, University of Otago, New Zealand, said of her experience in the Early Career Editorial Board:
"Being part of the Early Career Editorial Board programme has given me valuable insight into the editorial side of scientific publishing. As researchers, we are usually familiar with peer review from the perspective of authors and reviewers, but this experience helped me understand more of what happens behind the scenes. I found it interesting to learn about the etiquette of approaching reviewers, why securing reviews can sometimes be challenging, and the importance of keeping the process moving efficiently. One of the most useful aspects of the programme was the opportunity to compare my own reviewing style with those of other reviewers and editors. Seeing how others assess manuscripts and provide feedback helped me reflect on my own reviews and consider how I can make my comments more constructive and useful to authors. I also enjoyed learning from the experiences of the other Editorial Board members, which further broadened my understanding of the publication process."
The second cohort of ECR editorial board members will be recruited later this year, with more translational and clinical placements being available. Members of all affiliated societies are eligible to apply for the JNE Early Career Editorial Board.
On the future of the Early Career Editorial Board mentor and former Early Career Perspectives Editor at Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Professor Kate Ellacott said:
“We’re delighted with how well the programme has been received and we look forward to working with the next cohort to continue equipping the next generation of neuroendocrinologists with the knowledge, expertise and skills to excel in their scientific career.”
Members of the current Early Career Editorial Board
Members of the JNE Early Career Editorial Board hold expertise across a range of disciplines and are made up of members from across the globe, including Zambia, Mexico, New Zealand as well as the UK, Europe, Canada and USA.The Board members have research interests across the spectrum of neuroendocrine research, including reproduction, stress, growth and development, energy and fluid homeostasis, neuroendocrine tumours and the impact of the environment and society on neuroendocrine systems and behaviours. The first cohort of Board members are (in alphabetical order by surname):
- Dr Jessica Chadwick, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Dr Isadora Clivatti Furigo, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Dr Helen Eachus, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
- Dr Teodora Georgescu, University of Otago, New Zealand
- Dr Vito Hernandez, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Dr Bradley Jamieson, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Dr Stephen Manchishi, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Dr Kalyan Mansukhbhai Shekhda, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, UK
- Dr Aleisha Moore, Kent State University, Ohio, USA
- Dr Michael Ruiz Cruz, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Dr Rajae Talbi, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
IMAGE ABOVE: Portraits of all Early Career Editorial Board members (L-R top row: Aleisha Moore, Vito Hernandez, Helen Eachus, Rajae Talbi, Isadora Clivatti Furigo, Stephen Manchishi. L-R bottom row: Michael Ruiz Cruz, Jessica Chadwick, Bradley Jamieson, Teodora Georgescu, Kalyan Mansukhbhai Shekhda)
Find out more about each of the JNE Early Career Board Members
